Local Artist Spotlight: Adam O'Day
Cambridge-based TurningArt, the nearly year-old "Netflix of art," has been giving art lovers the chance to discover, fall in love with and ultimately, own unique, quality artwork for their homes and offices. But the service is also giving local artists access to a wider audience, committed to purchasing original works of art. One of the most popular artists on the website is Boston-based Adam O'Day, whose colorful cityscapes have been turning heads on TurningArt.
"Adam's paintings are so popular because although he's generally working with traditional city skylines, he's adding a fresh, bold perspective to the piece," says Liza Hall, curator at Turning Art. "The result for the viewer is a broadly recognizable foundation that quickly becomes dynamic and engaging in a new way."
CBSBoston.com recently asked Adam about his work and the local Boston arts scene.
CBSBoston.com: Your art depicts a lot of places, locations, cityscapes—are these what inspire you?
Adam O' Day: The view out of my window is a panoramic view of downtown Boston. It's very easy to go that way, yeah. But when you have an overwhelming amount of good feedback from a certain city landscape painting, one will take that feedback and confidently make more, knowing that the response will continue to be positive.
I guess I didn't really answer the question yet. I am inspired by the things I see in the world, including architecture, structure, chaos, explosions, filth, color, beauty, destruction, rebuilding, people, living things, dead things and about one million other things.
CBSBoston.com: How did you get involved with TurningArt? Do you feel like you receive more positive exposure by being on the site?
Adam: I met the owners because they saw my paintings at a show I had at Christopher's Restaurant and thought I could contribute to their concept. I'm glad I did because they are a great bunch of people, they are marketing geniuses and since I joined up with them, the response has been sick… meaning good.
CBSBoston.com: What do you think of the Boston arts scene? Do you feel like the arts community here is very supportive?
Adam: The underground galleries and shows will always pleasantly surprise you. Everyone has their place here and will be able to flourish, but you just have to meet some cool, like-minded folks who can all feed off of each other. I know a huge handful of artists that will blow your mind with fresh new work. Yes, the arts community is like a very supportive family, with slight mental problems. Ha.
CBSBoston.com: What is it about Boston that makes it a dynamic place for artists?
Adam: The young people. The crazy art students. The underground art scene. DIY mentality. DIY marketing (TurningArt is a great example. so is Lot F Gallery and UNRegular Radio). Music and art help each other out in Boston. Restaurants are showing more art than galleries these days; and it's easier to get people to eat than it is to get them to go to First Fridays. Art buyers. Open Markets. City of Boston Arts and Culture Dept. Amazing Galleries and Museums...The DeCordova has a great program supporting local artists. But most importantly, the artists who are constantly working to come up with a unique form of expression.
Adam O'Day will be exhibiting new work at Misha Nicole in New York (303 Bowery, New York, NY) through October 29.
Interested in renting some of Adam's artwork? TurningArt is offering CBSBoston.com readers an exclusive discount. Just enter the code CBSLOCAL or visit Turningart.com/CBSLOCAL.
Interview by Stephanie Valera, CBS Local
